Becoming Your Own Critique Partner

by Jane Toombs

Not everyone has access to a good critique group. If you're on your own and need someone to help polish your manuscript so it shines in the eyes of agents and editors, look no farther. Using examples from their own work and a huge dash of humor, veteran authors Jane Toombs and Janet Lane Walters guide both the new writer and the experienced through the labyrinth of self-editing.

201 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 2006

About the author

Jane was born in California, raised in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, has returned "home" to live in the beautiful Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Superior--with the Viking from her past. Jane has five children, two stepchildren, seven grandchildren, a calico cat named Kinko and two computers.

She's the author of over seventy published books, both in paper and electronic. These include the various romance genres--gothic, suspense, contemporary, historical, Regency and paranormal--as well as other genres such as mystery, fantasy and horror. Jane has used pseudonyms--Ellen Jamison, Diana Stuart, Olivia Sumner--but is now writing under her own name except for her Zebra/Pinnacle romances for which she uses Jane Anderson.

Reviews

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to critique your own writing is extremely difficult. Often, we as writers are far too close to work to really see all those little errors missed that if corrected could turn a rejection slip into a contract. Most writers quickly learn that finding a friend or writing group who is willing to read and comment on their work is invaluable.

Becoming Your Own Critique Partner is aimed at those writers who for whatever reason can't find someone else to critique their novel. I personally believe that this book will be equally valuable to all writers. Filling in potholes and finding extraneous distractions in your storyline will be beneficial whether you have a critique partner or not. The end result can be the difference between a publishable book and an unfulfilled wish.

I definitely recommend Becoming Your Own Critique Partner to anyone hoping to publish their novel. This book cover all the bases: character building, dialogue that adds to the storyline, creating meaningful scenes, choosing the correct mood, and avoiding repetition, clichés, and other misnomers. Plus, each section includes checklist and a variety of exercises to help build writing skills while critiquing your own work.

[Jennifer Probst · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for writers.